Many people associate cataracts with older adults. While the biggest risk factor for cataracts is age, they can also develop sooner.
The good news is that regardless of when cataracts form, cataract surgery can restore your vision once cataracts start to affect your ability to perform simple, routine activities.
Keep reading to learn more about cataracts and when they develop.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when proteins in the natural lens of the eye break down and stick together, causing it to become cloudy. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes.
Initially, you may not have any symptoms of cataracts. However, as they develop over time, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Halos and glare
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Blurred or clouded vision
- Double vision in one eye
- Yellowing or fading of colors
- Frequent prescription changes
- Need for brighter lighting for close-up activities
When Do Cataracts Develop?
Cataracts are often age-related. An inevitable part of aging for most people is the natural deterioration of proteins inside the natural lens.
When this occurs, cataracts form. The proteins then accumulate in the lens slowly, causing foggy vision and other symptoms of cataracts.
Age-related cataracts can start to form between age 40 and 50. They usually go unnoticed until you are in your 60s or 70s.
Can Cataracts Develop Earlier?
Cataracts can develop at any time and age. Some babies are even born with cataracts, a condition called congenital cataracts.
Certain factors can increase your risk of getting cataracts early. You may develop cataracts sooner due to:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Past eye surgery
- Heavy alcohol use
- Previous eye injury
- High blood pressure
- Too much sun exposure
- Family history of cataracts
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
- Exposure to radiation from cancer treatments and X-rays
What are the Different Types of Early Cataracts?
Types of cataracts that may develop earlier in life include:
Congenital Cataracts
Congenital cataracts are present at birth or form at a very young age. These types of cataracts can be genetic, develop due to issues during pregnancy like rubella, or form as a result of a severe illness after birth.
Symptoms of congenital cataracts include:
- Absent red reflex
- White or gray cloudiness of the pupil
- Nystagmus or rapid, involuntary eye movements
Some congenital cataracts don’t affect vision, while others do. Cataract surgery is performed when a congenital cataract impacts vision.
Radiation Cataracts
Exposure to the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) radiation and radiation cancer treatments can cause radiation cataracts.
Traumatic Cataracts
A traumatic cataract occurs after an eye injury damages the lens fibers, clouding the lens. These cataracts may develop days, months, or years after the eye injury.
The different types of traumatic cataracts include:
Blunt Trauma
Blunt trauma cataracts can occur when an object collides with your face or eye with intense force. For instance, being hit in the eye with a ball or a punch to the eye.
Penetrating Trauma
Penetrating trauma cataracts may develop when a sharp object like a dart, nail, or piece of glass penetrates the eye and reaches the lens.
Chemical Trauma
With chemical trauma cataracts, a chemical substance can penetrate the eye and change the composition of the lens fiber.
Reclaim Your Vision with Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the most effective treatment for cataracts of any cause and type. Cataract surgery is a quick, safe, and highly effective procedure that can help you regain vision lost to cataracts.
It involves removing the natural lens that has become clouded with cataracts and replacing it with an intraocular lens, or IOL. After cataract surgery, you can return to living your life to the fullest with clear, uninterrupted vision.
Depending on the IOL you choose, you may be able to achieve even better vision than you had before developing cataracts!
Do you think you may have cataracts? Schedule an appointment at VisionFirst Eye Center in Birmingham, AL, today!
